'''The Mouth of Sauron''' was the [[Dark Lord]] [[Sauron]]'s servant and representative at the end of the [[Third Age]]. He had the title Lieutenant of Barad-dûr, since he was so strongly devoted to the Dark Lord. The Mouth of Sauron was one of the [[Black Númenóreans]].

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'''The Mouth of Sauron''' was the [[Dark Lord]] [[Sauron]]'s servant and representative at the end of the [[Third Age]]. He had the title Lieutenant of [[Barad-dûr]], since he was so strongly devoted to the Dark Lord. The Mouth of Sauron was one of the [[Black Númenóreans]].

==History==

==History==

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The Mouth of Sauron had served Sauron all his life, and had forgotten his own name. A [[Man]] of great stature, he was potentially the equal of the [[Dúnedain]], but had fallen into darkness. He had learned much sorcery during his time under Sauron, and knew many of the Dark Lord's plans.

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===Origins===

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The Mouth of Sauron had served Sauron all his life; a [[Man]] of great stature, he was potentially the equal of the [[Dúnedain]], but had fallen into darkness. As a Black Númenórean he probably came from the [[Haven of Umbar]], and it is stated that "he entered the service of the [[Dark Tower]] when it first rose again"; this can be interpreted in two ways:

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*Referring to the power of Sauron rather than the construction of [[Barad-dûr]], in which case, the tower ''first'' rose again some time after {{SA|3220}}. In that case he stayed alive long enough like a [[Nazgûl|Ringwraith]]; perhaps he wore a [[Ring of Power]], but a lesser one since he did not become a wraith.

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*Referring to the rebuilding of {{TA|2951}}; Umbar had been defeated by [[Gondor]] under "[[Thorongil]]" [[Third Age 2980|some years later]], so the Mouth might have fled to Mordor then.

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As a Black Númenórean he probably came from the [[Haven of Umbar]], and it is stated that "he entered the service of the [[Dark Tower]] when it first rose again". The Dark Tower rose again when rebuilding began in the year [[Third Age 2951|2951]] of the [[Third Age]], which means he entered Sauron's service shortly after that. Umbar had been defeated by [[Gondor]] under "[[Thorongil]]" (Aragorn's name in his youth) in 2980, so the Mouth might have fled to Mordor then.

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In any case, the Mouth had even forgotten his original name; either he was a small child when converted by Sauron, or had remained alive far more than 500 years ([[Gollum]] still remembered his name).

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If this mention of the second arising of the Dark Tower is taken literally (see below), then the Mouth Of Sauron had been in the service of his master for 68 years by the time the Third Age ended. If his service began as a youth who was subsequently cowed, bewitched and indoctrinated by his new master, then the Mouth of Sauron could quite feasibly have no memory of his birth name.

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He had learned much sorcery during his time under Sauron, and knew many of the Dark Lord's plans. Being more cruel than an [[Orcs|Orc]] and cunning, he rose in power and favor.

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During the [[Council of Elrond]], the [[Dwarves]] of [[Erebor]] spoke of a Man who had come to tell them of the power of Mordor and persuade them to join its forces. Though the Man's identity is unknown, it is possible that he was the Mouth of Sauron.

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During the [[Council of Elrond]], the [[Dwarves]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] spoke of a Man who had come to tell them of the power of Mordor and persuade them to join its forces. Though the Man's identity is unknown, it is possible that he was the Mouth of Sauron.

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The Mouth of Sauron briefly appeared when he haggled with the army of the west in front of the [[Morannon]], trying to convince [[Aragorn]] and [[Gandalf]] to give up and let Sauron win the battle for [[Middle-earth]]. Though he came before Aragorn and his men as an ambassador, he used quite insolent speech when he dealt with them. He tried to intimidate the army into surrendering by showing them the ''[[mithril]]'' coat of [[Frodo Baggins]] to make them think that the [[Ringbearer]] had been captured. When Gandalf turned down his proposal, the Mouth of Sauron set all the armies of [[Barad-dûr]] upon them.

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The Mouth of Sauron briefly appeared in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' when he haggled with the army of the west in front of the [[Morannon]], trying to convince [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] and [[Gandalf]] to give up and let Sauron win the battle for [[Middle-earth]]. Though he came before Aragorn and his men as an ambassador, he used quite insolent speech when he dealt with them. He tried to intimidate the army into surrendering by showing them the ''[[mithril]]'' coat of [[Frodo]] to make them think that the [[Ringbearer]] had been captured. When Gandalf turned down his proposal, the Mouth of Sauron set all the armies of [[Barad-dûr]] upon them.

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[[Image:Alan Rabinowitz - The Mouth of Sauron.jpg|thumb|250px|''The Mouth of Sauron'' by [[Alan Rabinowitz]]]]

The Mouth's fate is nowhere recorded, and it is probable he died in the assault before the Morannon. If he had survived, it is likely that he would have been one of the leaders in the retreat of Sauron's evil servants after the fall of Barad-dûr.

The Mouth's fate is nowhere recorded, and it is probable he died in the assault before the Morannon. If he had survived, it is likely that he would have been one of the leaders in the retreat of Sauron's evil servants after the fall of Barad-dûr.

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==The Mouth of Sauron's Age==

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==Name==

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It is possible to interpret the words 'arose again' to refer to the power of Sauron rather than the construction of his Tower. In this case, the rebuilding of the [[Barad-dûr]] in 2951 was actually its second arising. It ''first'' rose again some time after [[Second Age 3220|3220]] of the [[Second Age]], which means that, according to this interpretation, the Mouth of Sauron might have been at least 3200 years old at the time of the War of the Ring. Even for a [[Númenórean]] this was an exceptional age matched only by the [[Ringwraiths]], and he therefore may have been a [[Ring-bearer]], who by some magic of Sauron had not become a wraith himself. He may have worn a lesser ring, and not one of the great [[Rings of Power]]. Alternatively, he could have been granted one of the [[Seven Rings]] of the Dwarves, several of which Sauron had recaptured.

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The name of the Mouth of Sauron itself poses an inconsistency in the narrative. Aragorn mentions that the name "Sauron" (meaning "Abominable") is the name used by his enemies, and according to [[Aragorn]], Sauron himself did not permit it pronounced.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Departure of Boromir]]"</ref> Therefore it could be considered strange for a servant of Sauron to have a title that includes the word "Sauron".

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Support for this extreme old age is found in the statement that "his name is remembered in no tale, for he himself had forgotten it". Even [[Gollum]] still remembered his old name after 500 years.

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== Portrayal in Adaptations ==

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==

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[[Image:Rankin-Bass' Mouth of Sauron.jpg|thumb|left|The Mouth of Sauron from [[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]]]]

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<center><gallery>

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[[Image:Mouth of Sauron.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Bruce Spence]] as the Mouth of Sauron in [[Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]]]]

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File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Mouth of Sauron.jpg|<center>''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|The Return of the King]]'' [[1980]] film</center>

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In [[Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]], the Mouth of Sauron does not appear in the theatrical cut of the movie, but he does appear in the extended version, played by an unrecognisable [[Bruce Spence]], with the words "LAMMEN GORTHAUR" ([[Sindarin]] for "Voice of (Sauron) The Abominable") in [[Cirth]] runes written on his helmet. His helmet covers his entire face except for his mouth, which is horribly diseased and disfigured by all the evil he has spoken, and disproportionately large, creating an unsettling effect (Jackson conceived of this idea long after the footage had been shot and asked his special effects team to create the effect digitally).

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File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Mouth of Sauron.jpg|<center>[[Bruce Spence]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''</center>

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</gallery></center>

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The extended DVD cast commentary mentions that Jackson considered different depictions of the character, such as having Kate Winslet (who starred in Heavenly Creatures, another Jackson film) play the role, partially to emphasize the temptations Aragorn was facing.

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'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|The Return of the King]]'':'''

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:The Mouth of Sauron briefly appears at the Black Gate. He was here portrayed by [[Don Messick]].

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In the extended DVD version Aragorn decapitates the Mouth of Sauron using [[Andúril]]. This sequence is often criticized by purist and outsider alike, by purists because of the emphasis in the book against the inhumanity of assaulting a messenger or herald, and by outsiders for the brutality in itself.

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'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

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:The Mouth of Sauron's role is expanded. He is portrayed as the person who tortures [[Gollum]] into telling Sauron of "Baggins" and "Shire", though he is not named until the credits.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Michael Bakewell]], [[Brian Sibley]] (eds.) [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]], "[[The Long Awaited Party]]"</ref> [[John Rye]] provided the voice of the Mouth of Sauron, as well as the Voice of Sauron, symbolising the function of the Lieutenant of Barad-dûr.

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== See Also ==

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'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''

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:The Mouth of Sauron does not appear in the theatrical cut of the movie, but he does appear in the extended version, played by an unrecognizable [[Bruce Spence]]. His helmet, with the words "LAMMEN GORTHAUR" ([[Sindarin]] for "Voice of (Sauron) The Abominable") in [[Cirth]] written on it, covers his entire face except for his mouth, which is horribly diseased and disfigured by all the evil he has spoken, and disproportionately large, creating an unsettling effect. In fact, much of this spectacle is a result of CGI effects. Actually Jackson conceived this idea long after the footage had been shot and asked his special effects team to create the effect digitally.

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:The extended DVD cast commentary mentions that Jackson considered different depictions of the character, such as having Kate Winslet (who starred in ''Heavenly Creatures'', another Jackson film) play the role, partially to emphasize the temptations Aragorn was facing.

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:In the story itself, Aragorn decapitates the Mouth of Sauron with [[Andúril|his sword]]. This sequence is often criticized by purist and outsider alike; through human history it was considered a crime of war to execute messengers or heralds. In the book, the Mouth actually specifically points out that as an ambassador he is protected by the laws of war, and Gandalf acknowledges this:

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::''"...though Aragorn did not stir nor move hand to weapon, the other quailed and gave back as if menaced with a blow. "I am a herald and an ambassador, and may not be assailed!" he cried. "Where such laws hold," said Gandalf, "it is also the custom for ambassadors to use less insolence. But no one has threatened you. You have naught to fear from us..."'' -- Book VI, Chapter 10, "The Black Gate Opens"

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==See also==

* [[:Category:Images of the Mouth of Sauron|Images of The Mouth of Sauron]]

* [[:Category:Images of the Mouth of Sauron|Images of The Mouth of Sauron]]

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[[Category:Black Númenóreans | Characters]]

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{{references}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mouth of Sauron}}

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[[Category:Black Númenóreans|Black Númenóreans]]

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

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[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]

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[[de: Saurons Mund]]

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[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:3a:bouche_de_sauron]]

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[[fa:زبان_سائورون]]

Revision as of 21:08, 26 December 2012

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.

Contents

History

Origins

The Mouth of Sauron had served Sauron all his life; a Man of great stature, he was potentially the equal of the Dúnedain, but had fallen into darkness. As a Black Númenórean he probably came from the Haven of Umbar, and it is stated that "he entered the service of the Dark Tower when it first rose again"; this can be interpreted in two ways:

Referring to the power of Sauron rather than the construction of Barad-dûr, in which case, the tower first rose again some time after S.A.3220. In that case he stayed alive long enough like a Ringwraith; perhaps he wore a Ring of Power, but a lesser one since he did not become a wraith.

In any case, the Mouth had even forgotten his original name; either he was a small child when converted by Sauron, or had remained alive far more than 500 years (Gollum still remembered his name).

He had learned much sorcery during his time under Sauron, and knew many of the Dark Lord's plans. Being more cruel than an Orc and cunning, he rose in power and favor.

During the Council of Elrond, the Dwarves of Erebor spoke of a Man who had come to tell them of the power of Mordor and persuade them to join its forces. Though the Man's identity is unknown, it is possible that he was the Mouth of Sauron.

The Mouth of Sauron briefly appeared when he haggled with the army of the west in front of the Morannon, trying to convince Aragorn and Gandalf to give up and let Sauron win the battle for Middle-earth. Though he came before Aragorn and his men as an ambassador, he used quite insolent speech when he dealt with them. He tried to intimidate the army into surrendering by showing them the mithril coat of Frodo Baggins to make them think that the Ringbearer had been captured. When Gandalf turned down his proposal, the Mouth of Sauron set all the armies of Barad-dûr upon them.

The Mouth's fate is nowhere recorded, and it is probable he died in the assault before the Morannon. If he had survived, it is likely that he would have been one of the leaders in the retreat of Sauron's evil servants after the fall of Barad-dûr.

Name

The name of the Mouth of Sauron itself poses an inconsistency in the narrative. Aragorn mentions that the name "Sauron" (meaning "Abominable") is the name used by his enemies, and according to Aragorn, Sauron himself did not permit it pronounced.[1] Therefore it could be considered strange for a servant of Sauron to have a title that includes the word "Sauron".

The Mouth of Sauron's role is expanded. He is portrayed as the person who tortures Gollum into telling Sauron of "Baggins" and "Shire", though he is not named until the credits.[2]John Rye provided the voice of the Mouth of Sauron, as well as the Voice of Sauron, symbolising the function of the Lieutenant of Barad-dûr.

The Mouth of Sauron does not appear in the theatrical cut of the movie, but he does appear in the extended version, played by an unrecognizable Bruce Spence. His helmet, with the words "LAMMEN GORTHAUR" (Sindarin for "Voice of (Sauron) The Abominable") in Cirth written on it, covers his entire face except for his mouth, which is horribly diseased and disfigured by all the evil he has spoken, and disproportionately large, creating an unsettling effect. In fact, much of this spectacle is a result of CGI effects. Actually Jackson conceived this idea long after the footage had been shot and asked his special effects team to create the effect digitally.

The extended DVD cast commentary mentions that Jackson considered different depictions of the character, such as having Kate Winslet (who starred in Heavenly Creatures, another Jackson film) play the role, partially to emphasize the temptations Aragorn was facing.

In the story itself, Aragorn decapitates the Mouth of Sauron with his sword. This sequence is often criticized by purist and outsider alike; through human history it was considered a crime of war to execute messengers or heralds. In the book, the Mouth actually specifically points out that as an ambassador he is protected by the laws of war, and Gandalf acknowledges this:

"...though Aragorn did not stir nor move hand to weapon, the other quailed and gave back as if menaced with a blow. "I am a herald and an ambassador, and may not be assailed!" he cried. "Where such laws hold," said Gandalf, "it is also the custom for ambassadors to use less insolence. But no one has threatened you. You have naught to fear from us..." -- Book VI, Chapter 10, "The Black Gate Opens"